Whether you’re a vegetarian, or you just fancy a meat-free meal, there’s plenty of great vegetarian restaurants in Leicester. It is certainly difficult to find exclusively vegetarian restaurants that are high quality anywhere. So here a few of the best vegetarian restaurants in Leicester, along with some meat serving restaurants whose vegetarian options are 10/10!
The Grand Maharaja
Leicester has no shortage of South Asian cuisine – there is a wide selection of restaurants from almost every city across the southern continent. Leicester is renowned for this within the UK.
The ‘Golden Mile’ just north of Leicester city centre is the place to go for authentic South Asian cuisine. The Grand Maharaja, just off the famous Golden Mile itself, is an Indian restaurant serving pure vegetarian cuisine.
If Leicester had a palace for food lovers, this would be it. The service is great, as is the food, and the menu is reasonably priced. They also have a live band most evenings! I would recommend the crispy aubergines, which were to die for! Their unique blend of North and South Indian dishes along with a mixed Indo-Chinese menu make this the perfect spot for a nicer meal out if you’re looking for one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Leicester.
Shiv Sagar Veg Restaurant
Another great spot if you’re after a pure vegetarian menu. Located on Golden Mile, Shiv Sagar is a more laid-back vegetarian eatery serving Indian and Indo-Chinese dishes like veg curries and steamed noodles.
I think the menu at Shiv Sagar is uniquely diverse – it’s really a celebration of vegetarian indulgence. I have found that vegetarian restaurants tend to have simple menus, but Shiv Sargar really shows that you don’t need meat to have a rich and colourful dining experience!
Wakaze
Stepping away from the spice of Indian cuisine, Wakaze is a popular, Japanese, vegetarian-friendly restaurant in the heart of Leicester’s city centre. A personal favourite of mine! It’s also great for a student on a budget, with mains under a tenner!
While they do serve meat dishes, Wakaze also has plenty of delicious veg options. If you love sushi, this is one of the best spots in the city – take it from a sushi lover herself! They have your more standard veg sushi options like Cucumber or Avocado, but also more unique ones like their Sweet Potato Roll or Vegetable Tempura Roll.
If you’re with a group, or you just absolutely love your sushi, Wakaze also do a very reasonably priced Vegetarian combo. This set includes the Cucumber, Avocado and Sweet Potato Rolls for just £12.80. Talk about a bargain!
If you’re not big on sushi but still love Japanese food, I would recommend their vegetarian curry ramen or tofu teppan noodles. Both are mains that are under £10 and will satisfy any craving for vegetarian food in Leicester!
The Good Earth
If you’re in search of some vegetarian food that’s a bit more wholesome, The Good Earth is the place to go. Located in the heart of the city centre, this vegetarian and vegan restaurant is a rustic little place serving up British vegetarian staples like pasta bakes, pies and roast dinners. The selection of food is organic, hearty and unique – the African Sweet Potato and Peanut Stew seems to be a favourite!
The Good Earth is also a historically significant restaurant in Leicester. It is the city’s oldest vegetarian restaurant. For over 60 years now, they have been serving unpretentious vegetarian food with modest pricing. Perfect for students who are after a hearty vegetarian meal in Leicester on a budget!
Kabul Rose
Kabul Rose is a beautiful little restaurant located in Evington Valley, just to the east of the University of Leicester, serving authentic Afghani food. While not exclusively vegetarian, this restaurant has some fantastic picks for vegetarians.
Many recommend their Kabul Street chaat and chilli paneer. But the special vegetarian dish that is everyone’s favourite is their Banjan Boraani – smoky eggplant simmered with tomatoes and garlic, finished with cool yoghurt. This is a classic Afghani dish that is a big hit at Kabul Rose, even with meat lovers!
Kabul Rose is also my mum’s favourite restaurant in Leicester. Every time my family come to Leicester, either for a visit or to help me move in or out of my accommodation, my mum insists on going to Kabul Rose. The quality of their food cannot be found anywhere else!
Giggling Squid
Located in the more up-market St. Martins Square, Giggling Squid is a popular Thai restaurant in Leicester’s city centre. This is another restaurant that is not exclusively vegetarian but still has some of the best selection of vegetarian dishes the city can offer.
I would personally recommend the new salt and pepper chilli mushrooms and the deep-fried veggie wontons – so much flavour! The mushrooms especially really pack a punch. Their colourful drinks and beautiful interior also make for a perfect date night or insta-worthy girls’ dinner out. Another one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Leicester.
Sonrisa
This is a staple food spot in Leicester. Sonrisa is an elegant Argentinian restaurant perfect for any special occasion. Its modern décor and warm atmosphere make it one of the best restaurants serving vegetarian food in Leicester.
While steak is the typical hallmark of Argentinian cuisine, Sonrisa manages to shift the focus from the meat lovers onto the vegetarians. The restaurant has a tasty vegetarian selection of authentic Argentinian dishes like vegetable rigatoni and fried lasagne. Not to mention their creative vegetable plates that consist of artichoke hearts and potatoes with egg.
The staff are welcoming, the portions generous and the prices reasonable enough for a student treat that feels worth it. Sonrisa proves to be one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Leicester serving up delicious vegetarian food – all with a smile! Fitting, since ‘Sonrisa’ means smile in Spanish!
I hope this has been a helpful guide to the best vegetarian restaurants in Leicester. I feel it is important to remember that while our city is known for its brilliant selection of South Asian cuisine, the wide selection of other cuisines from across the world cannot be forgotten. Leicester has so many vegetarian and vegetarian friendly spots to suit everyone’s tastes, whatever they may be. These are only some of the very best!
Last Updated on October 20, 2025
Published on March 11, 2025
I’m currently in the final year of my Law degree, but when I’m not buried under case law, you’ll usually find me on a hike in the Peak District or curled up with a book. I love spending quality time with friends and family and am always looking for my next adventure!
